Moussa Sissoko was not pursued by Everton to ensure James McCarthy's position was not jeopardised, according to owner Farhad Moshiri.
Everton turned down the chance to sign Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle United because majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri wanted to remain loyal to James McCarthy.
Sissoko looked on the verge of signing for Everton late on Wednesday but the Toffees withdrew their bid, and the France international agreed a five-year deal with Tottenham.
However, rather than pulling the plug on their offer due to Spurs' late interest in the midfielder, Moshiri claims the decision was made out of loyalty to McCarthy.